Services

COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Information

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please call (401) 312-9831. 

Which vaccine will BVCHC use? BVCHC is administering based on supply, one of two vaccines; Moderna or Pfizer. The vaccine you receive will vary by site and eligibility. For more information on Vaccine updates and eligibility, click here. 

What to expect from your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, for more information, click here

Can the vaccine make me sick with COVID-19? No. None of the vaccine contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

Is the vaccine safe and effective?  Yes! All available COVID-19 vaccines are fully approved by the FDA and greatly reduce the risk of severe disease including hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

After getting the vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test? No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​  Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19

If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine? Yes. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine after recovering from a COVID-19 infection provides added protection to your immune system. People who are unvaccinated are TWICE as likely to get COVID-19 again.

Will the vaccination protect me from getting sick with COVID-19? Yes. COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19. Though the vaccine is quite good, it’s not 100% protective. 

Will the vaccine alter my DNA? No. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.

Do the side effects include infertility? No! In fact, pregnant people are at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended in pregnancy as the best way to protect yourself and your unborn baby from the risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy.

For more information on What to Expect from your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment, click here. For more information on vaccine side effects, click here. 

 What is a rapid COVID-19 test? The rapid COVID test is a test that looks for an antigen or a protein of the COVID 19 virus. The result is available the same day; however, it can take up to 3 days to verify the result s. 

How do I schedule a Rapid Covid Test?  For current BVCHC patient who have COVID contact or symptoms, call (401) 312-9831 to speak to a provider today.  

Where do I go to get tested?  For current BVCHC patients, once you have an appointment, you will be tested at:  

Who can be tested?

  • Open to all current BVCHC patients with a scheduled testing appointment (see above). Available to new patients following a new patient appointment with a provider. We have select same day appointments available. 
  • Testing for Rhode Islanders who do not have symptoms (also called asymptomatic testing) is available through the RI DOH, click here for more information. 

What is PCR Testing? 

One of the ways to verify the results of rapid COVID test is through a PCR test. The PCR test checks for the genetic material of the virus. The PCR test is developed in a lab and can take several days. 

How do I get my results?  We encourage patients to use the Patient Portal to get documentation of results. If for any reason, an established patient cannot access the portal, please be advised that we will contact you by phone with your results. 

If you need proof of a negative COVID test

If an employer, school, or travel plans, etc. require proof of a negative COVID test, we encourage you to check with them directly about which test is needed. Some will accept only a rapid test, while others require a PCR test. The RI DOH offers testing specifically for travel and for school aged children and school employees.

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters 

COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying—especially people who are boosted. As with vaccines for other diseases, you are protected best when you stay up to date. CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone ages 12 years and older also receive a booster.  For more information about boosters, click here 

COVID Treatment
 
What is the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment? The Monoclonal Antibody treatment is currently being offered to BVCHC patients who have tested positive for COVID and meet high-risk criteria. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the risk of hospitalization. The treatment boosts your immune system. It is given through an IV into your veins, and it takes about one hour. It is administered through Lifespan in a monitored environment as there is a risk of an allergic reaction. Your provider will review this treatment with you to determine if it is right for you at the time of your phone visit for COVID testing. For more information, click here.
 
Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies (MABS)

If you test positive for COVID-19, are age 12 or older, and started having mild to moderate symptoms in the last seven days, call your healthcare provider right away and ask about treatment with MABS.

  • After completing this simple infusion, many people with COVID-19 start feeling better as early as the next day. This treatment does not require hospitalization.
  • You can get treatment at these infusion sites. Some of these infusion sites can provide treatment in your own home. 

Treatment with Oral Antiviral Medications

If you test positive for COVID-19, are age 12 or older, and started having mild to moderate symptoms in the last five days, call your healthcare provider right away and ask about treatment with oral antiviral medications.

  • You can take this five-day pill series at home.
Your healthcare provider can send your prescription to a pharmacy near you that has oral antiviral medications